Knicks Rumors: Phil Jackson and New York Smart to Delay Potential Trades
The New York Knicks are off to a disappointing 2-3 start, but President Phil Jackson and the rest of the front office members are not going to make any knee-jerk reactions when it comes to the roster.
Marc Berman of the New York Post noted why that is the case.
"According to a source," Berman wrote, "Jackson has no plans to make any deals until Dec. 15—a key NBA date as 2014 free-agent signees and 2014 draft picks are eligible to be traded."
This patience is smart for a number of reasons, a main one being that the Knicks are trying to rebuild toward the future. The quickest way to do that is by stockpiling young assets, such as those 2014 draft picks who will be eligible for trades on Dec. 15.
That is not to suggest that the Knicks are going to suddenly land an elite youngster to turn around the franchise, but this at least gives them more options in trade discussions. It also opens up the more realistic possibility of exploring trades with veteran pieces for cheap, young players for salary purposes and then eventually using that freed-up money to lure in big-name free agents.
There were rumors regarding J.R. Smith in that same Berman piece.
"One of President Phil Jackson's big decisions this season is whether to trade J.R. Smith," Berman noted, "and the club had recent conversations with the Pacers regarding ex-Knick Chris Copeland, according to a league source."
While Jackson wouldn't have to wait until Dec. 15 to trade for Copeland, the idea that the team may trade Smith is more important here. The bottom line is that the Knicks are trying to free up cap space, and Smith could be a problem in that regard if he elects to pass on his opt-out clause and postpone his free agency until 2016.
That Smith's name is even in rumors at this point means the team is interested in switching the roster around, but not until mid-December.
Delaying any hasty trades before that Dec. 15 mark is also important because the team is still gradually becoming accustomed to new coach Derek Fisher and the triangle offense. This will give Jackson more of an opportunity to evaluate his own roster before any trades.
The triangle takes time to fully grasp and understand, but there should at least be some type of progress by Dec. 15.
Jackson will have a better understanding of who fits into the triangle best on the current roster and who looks like a potential long-term asset in the system.
While Carmelo Anthony is certainly not on the trade block, his recent struggles, via Ian Begley of ESPN New York, highlight just how difficult it is to pick up the triangle right away:
If the struggles continue, Jackson may think about changing the supporting cast members in an effort to improve the looks Anthony is getting on a nightly basis. However, a larger sample size is needed before making any type of move based on Anthony's comfort level and production, which is another reason the patience is important.
The extended time frame will also give players more of a chance to jell with Fisher. Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy discussed Fisher in flattering terms, via Eric Woodyard of MLive.com:
"There's all types of paths to doing it. And I watch Derek's team play right now and execute the triangle and stuff, and he's doing a helluva job and that's what it's all about. No, I don't have any problem. I think if you're an organization you go out and hire the guy you think is best, period. Phil Jackson obviously knows Derek Fisher very well. He knows his basketball beliefs, he's a guy that's aligned with his philosophy so I would say probably a very good hire. And I think they're off to a very good start, playing again very well.
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With a coach and foundation like that, it shouldn't take the players long to learn their expected roles.
Finally, waiting until Dec. 15 means Jackson will know which of the Knicks' young players is progressing the most and who across the league looks like someone who would work well in the triangle system. Players who are well-suited for the triangle offense could become trade targets, and Jackson has time to evaluate the rest of the league.
Just like trading on Wall Street, NBA trading is best accomplished if you bring plenty of information to the table. A larger sample size of games will give Jackson a better idea of what he has and what he ultimately needs to build a contender in New York.
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